UK Student Faces Deportation After Pro-Palestine Protest Suspension at King’s College London

A 22-year-old Egyptian student at King’s College London (KCL) could be deported from the UK within days after the university revoked his visa sponsorship following his participation in pro-Palestinian protests.

Usama Ghanem, who moved to Britain in 2022, was suspended indefinitely in May after KCL said he violated university rules during demonstrations demanding an end to Israel’s actions in Gaza. The university alleges Ghanem breached procedures, raised health and safety concerns, and engaged in offensive behaviour and obstruction.

A letter from KCL’s senior leadership instructed Ghanem to return to Egypt while his suspension was reviewed. The decision came into effect on November 28, when the UK Home Office formally cancelled his visa, warning him he must leave the country within 60 days — meaning he faces deportation by January 27.

Ghanem’s legal team says he has not been charged with any crime.

He Could Be Sent Back to Egypt

Ghanem does not have legal immigration status in a third country, making deportation to Egypt the most likely outcome. He fears he could face imprisonment if returned, citing past political persecution in his home country.

Ghanem alleges that in 2020, Egyptian security forces detained him at age 16 along with his father and brother. He claims he was beaten, electrocuted and starved while in custody, a claim outlined in the legal case he has filed against the university.

KCL Defends Its Position

King’s College London says it does not discipline students for lawful protest or pro-Palestinian views. In a statement, the university insisted students are not treated differently based on their political perspectives.

The statement also said it is “incorrect to suggest students with different perspectives are treated differently.”

However, Ghanem’s legal case argues the university failed to consider his post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis and the alleged abuse he suffered in Egypt. The case claims breaches of human rights, discrimination, harassment, and assault.

UK Guidance Highlights Risk in Egypt

The UK Home Office has issued guidance warning that people openly critical of the Egyptian government are at risk of arbitrary arrest and detention, and could face persecution or serious harm.

KCL’s leadership was aware of Ghanem’s background, according to the legal case.

The Home Office declined to comment on the case, stating it does not discuss individual immigration matters.